Ebike Rebates and Incentives
Looking for savings? There may be an ebike subsidy in your local city or state! See if the ebike incentive programs below can help you get rolling.
Keep your eye on this list to see if a locally-funded ebike incentive program is active in your area! Government ebike subsidies and grants as well as rebates from local power districts are taking off, so we’ll be updating this list to make sure you see the best opportunities for savings on your Rad purchase.
Alameda Municipal Power Service Area
Alameda Municipal Power customers can get up to 600 in rebates depending on bike price and income level. Ebikes purchased since July 1, 2022 qualify, and your receipt must be submitted with the application within 3 months of purchase. You’ll receive your rebate within 1-2 months. Learn more about the program.
Bay Area residents can get up to 7,500 towards an ebike and bike accessories (plus a transit card) by scrapping an older car meeting certain requirements, and if the person applying for the program meets certain zip code and income requirements. Learn more about car and applicant eligibility, and find out how you can maximize your grant to getting rolling on an ebike public transit here.
Contra Costa County
Residents of Contra Costa County can get a 150 rebate from the County for a new electric bike purchase, or 300 if income-qualified. Receipt and other details must be submitted within 6 months of purchase. Learn more about the program and apply here
PROGRAM NOW CLOSED Customers of Central Coast Community Energy can get a rebate of between 500 and 450,000, depending on income level and ebike price. Submit your proof of purchase by November 15, 2022 to get a rebate check in approximately 45 days. Program now closed as of September 2022; stay tuned for any updates.
Healdsburg
Customers of Healdsburg Electric can get up to a 300 reimbursement for bikes purchased online! Receipt and other details must be submitted within 6 months of purchase. Learn more about the program and apply here
Silicon Valley Power residential customers can get a rebate for 10% of the purchase price of a new ebike, up to 300 plus up to an additional 200 if income qualified. Application must be submitted within 60 days of purchase. Funding is limited, so act quickly!Learn more here
E bike government rebate
The 2020 Can Do Colorado eBike Mini Pilot Program was Colorado’s first eBike initiative. Thirteen Denver-area participants received free eBikes, helmets, locks and panniers from the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) to evaluate eBikes as a transportation solution for low-income essential workers. Bicycle Colorado provided technical assistance, including training, and the Colorado-based National Renewable Energy Laboratory analyzed data, including developing a user-friendly app for participants. Applying lessons learned from the Mini Pilot, the CEO launched an expanded Two-Year Pilot Program in the Spring of 2021. This program has deployed 181 eBikes and 50 eBike share memberships to five Colorado communities. In 2023, the CEO will launch a full Can Do Statewide program.
For more information on Colorado’s Can Do program including the Mini Pilot Evaluation Report visit the Colorado Energy Office’s webpage.
Upcoming statewide eBike rebate program
The Colorado Energy Office will administer a new state eBike program, aiming at a January 2023 launch, to open up more access to clean transportation via eBikes. The program was funded through the passage of Senate Bill 193 which creates a Clean Air Grant Program within the agency, including 12 million for the new eBike program. Stay tuned as we find out more details!
on Denver eBike rebate program through Denver Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency
The Denver Climate Action, Sustainability, Resiliency Office (CASR) launched Colorado’s first eBike rebate program in April 2022. Denver residents can apply for a 300 eBike rebate or an income-qualifying 450,200 rebate, with an additional 200 available for eCargo Bikes. The three-year program is funded through Denver’s Climate Protection Fund, a 2020 voter-approved sales tax, and is on pace to deliver 4,500 eBikes to Denverites in 2023.
June 2020
Governor’s Office announces the Can Do Colorado program
September 2020
Colorado Energy Office and Bicycle Colorado initiate the state’s first eBike pilot program
November 2, 2020
Denver voters approve a new Climate Protection Fund to fund programs that combat climate change
April 22, 2022
Denver Climate Action Office launches Denver’s eBike rebate program
May 19, 2022
Colorado legislature passed SB22-193, the Air-Quality Bill, to fund clean air grant programs
Rise of the E-Bike: Colorado Leads The Nation
Presented by Bicycle Colorado and CoPIRG on September 21
Colorado is #1 nationally in public funding for electric bike programs, opening up new transportation options for residents and business owners statewide. Learn more about how electric bikes are proving to be a game changing transportation strategy for our health and climate with insights from government leaders alongside stories from individuals who have purchased e-bikes through Denver’s highly successful rebate program.
A webinar featuring the leaders and experts behind Colorado’s successful e-bike movement alongside real e-bike riders who have benefited from these programs.
Which electric bikes are illegal in UK?
Watch the webinar recording here!
Rachel Hultin, Sustainable Transportation State Director, Bicycle Colorado
Will Toor, Director, Colorado Energy OfficeDr. Ash Lovell, Electric Bicycle Policy and Campaign Director, People for BikesPiep van Heuven, Government Relations Director, Bicycle ColoradoElizabeth (Liz) Babcock, Deputy Director, City of Denver Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency
PROOF E-Bikes need to be banned!
Joined by Darnell Robinson, one of the first participants in a State of Colorado eBike program
Alex Simon, Public Health Advocate, CoPIRG
California E-bike Rebates and Vouchers
Alameda (City)
Provider: Alameda Municipal Power (AMP)
Program: 0-20% rebate for new or used E-bike purchases up to 300 (20-40% up to 600 for low-income).
Details: Tiered rebates based on E-bike cost 500-999=100 rebate, 450K-450,999=200, 5000K and up=300. The rebate level is twice as large for low-income (up to 600). As of January 2023, the initial 15K budget is about half used and AMP expects the funds to run out mid-year in 2023. Additional funding is not yet lined up for an extension, but the city’s active transportation plan envisions more of this type of program.
Alameda (City)
Provider: Alameda TMA (Transportation Management Association)
Program: 300 rebate for new E-bike purchase added to AMP rebate.
Details: Additional incentive for TMA members who have been awarded an AMP electric bike rebate (see above).
Central Coast (Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties, plus parts of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties)
Provider: Central Coast Community Energy (CCCE)
Program: 50% E-bike rebate up to 500 (75% up to 1000 for low-income).
Details: For CCCE residential electrical service customers. Class 1, 2, and 3 E-bikes are eligible. Additional 100 rebate with proof of purchase from a bike store located within the CCCE service area. Opened November 9, 2021. Closed September 15, 2022, when funds were fully reserved. Check with CCCE for future funding rounds
Central Coast (Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties)
Provider: Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD)
Program: 500 rebate (1000 for low-income)
Details: For county residents. Class 1, 2, or 3 electric bicycles purchased at a bicycle shop within Monterey, San Benito, or Santa Cruz Counties. May be stacked with other incentives. Must retain ownership of E-bike for 3 years. Closed. The latest round of the program opened on July 1, 2022, and funds were exhausted by September 2022. Contact Ty Bell (tbell@mbard.org) of the program team to find out if there is a list to be notified about future funding rounds.
Contra Costa County
Provider: 511 Contra Costa
Program: 150 rebate (300 for low-income) on the purchase of a new E-bike or conversion kit.
Contra Costa County (Equity Priority Communities)
Provider: Contra Costa Transportation Authority
Program: 500 rebate for a low-income household purchase of a new E-bike or conversion kit.
Details: Open to income-qualified residents over 18 of Concord’s Monument Corridor, Richmond, San Pablo, Pittsburg, Bay Point, or Antioch. Class 1, 2, or 3 E-bikes.
Healdsburg
Provider: City of Healdsburg
Program: Up to 700 rebate for new E-bikes and conversion kits.
Details: 700 for income-qualified CARE customers. 400 for an E-bike purchased in Healdsburg and 300 for an E-bike purchased outside of Healdsburg. 50 for an E-bike conversion attachment kit. Started January 2021.
Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties
Provider: South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)
Program: 7,500 voucher to buy one or more E-bikes and/or for car and bike sharing and public transit.
Details: Same income limitations as the San Francisco Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) program below. As of September 2022, the website still provided no details about the E-bike option. Register for the car-sharing and public transportation mobility option then ask your case manager. You must reside within the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the air pollution control agency for all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Check the Eligibility page to confirm that your zip code is in the District.
Monterey County
Provider: Veterans Transition Center of Monterey County
Program: Subsidy program to give free E-bikes to veterans in need.
Details: Supported by donations through the Sea Otter Classic Foundation, this gives E-bikes to help vets gain transportation and self-sufficiency who are homeless or have lost mobility from injuries.
Redding
Provider: City of Redding Electric Utility (REU)
Program: 450,000 voucher for a purchase of an E-bike, helmet, and lock.
Details: Income limited to approximately 250% of FPL. Must be enrolled in the REU Residential Energy Discount Program. The MSRP of qualifying E-bikes ranges from 5000,500 up. Operating in 2022.
Colorado E-bike Rebates and Vouchers
Statewide
Provider: Colorado Energy Office (CEO)
Program: Rebate. Details TBD.
Details: Statewide eBike rebate available to low- and moderate-income Coloradans. Preliminary details are a 500 rebate or 450,000 for low-income. CEO anticipates that the rebate will be available to individuals in late spring to early summer 2023.
Cortez, Delores, Mancos, Monticello, and other Empire Electric towns
Provider: Empire Electric Association
Program: 25% rebate up to 150.
Details: For Empire Electric Association customers. Active in 2022.
Denver
Provider: City of Denver Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resilience (CASR)
Program: 400 E-bike voucher. 1200 for income-qualified residents. Additional 500 for cargo bikes.
Details: For all Denver residents. Applicable to all Class 1, 2, and 3 E-bikes sold at participating bike shops, except full-suspension mountain bikes. No minimum or maximum bike cost, but the voucher is limited to the price of the bike.
Launched in April 2022. The initial rollout of 3,000 vouchers was claimed in days. Another round of just over 1,000 vouchers in July 2022 was claimed in minutes. 860 more vouchers in January 2023 went in 20 minutes. will be available in 2023.
Edwards
Provider: Town of Edwards
Program: 200 rebate for new E-bike.
Details: For Edwards Metro District full-time residents. Must be used for transportation to work or other trips normally taken by car. Operating in 2022.
Glenwood Springs, Eagle, Pitkin, Garfield, Mesa, and Gunnison Counties
Provider: Holy Cross Energy (HCE)
Program: 200 rebate for new E-bike or conversion.
Details: Up to 2 per utility member household. Must be used to offset vehicle miles. Operating in 2021.
Grand and Jackson Counties and parts of Larimer, Routt, and Summit Counties
Provider: Mountain Parks Electric
Program: 25% rebate up to 150.
Details: For Mountain Parks Electric customers. Operating 2022.
Gunnison County
Provider: Gunnison County Electric Association
Program: 25% rebate up to 150.
Details: For Gunnison County Electric Association customers. Operating in 2022.
Holyoke, Sterling, Ovid area
Provider: Highline Electric Association
Program: 25% rebate up to 150.
Details: For Highline Electric Association customers. Operating in 2022.
La Plata, Archuleta and nearby
Provider: La Plata Electric Association
Program: 25% rebate up to 150 for a new E-bike
Details: Bill credit to La Plata utility customers. Launched January 2021.
Yampa Valley
Provider: Yampa Valley Electric Association
Program: 25% rebate up to 150.
Details: For Yampa Valley Electric Association customers. Operating in 2022.
Connecticut E-bike Rebates and Vouchers
Statewide
Provider: CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
Program: 500 or more rebate and/or voucher. Details TBD
Details: DEEP released a request for proposals on November 8, 2022, to eligible contractors for the development of a statewide E-Bike Incentive Program. Once selected, the program project design will be developed by early January and the program will launch in late winter/early Spring 2023.
Connecticut Legislation
Known as the Constitution State, Connecticut is another of the few states leading the charge on e-bike subsidization. It has but one bill advocating for a tax credit for purchasing an e-bike, and it’s quite a mouthful.
An Act Establishing a Credit Against the Personal Income Tax for Certain Taxpayers for the Purchase of an Electric Bike (H.B. 5088)
This long-titled bill – as the title implies – attempts to establish a tax credit for e-bike purchases for some taxpayers. So far, it doesn’t seem to establish who exactly counts as “certain taxpayers”, but it does seem to have wide support, with 17 legislators sponsoring the bill.
It was introduced into the Connecticut General Assembly on February 15, 2022, and since then, it’s been referred to the Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding.
Massachusetts Legislation
Massachusetts is known for its rich history, culture, and food. Adding to it, it’s among the pioneering states pushing for e-bike subsidy legislation. With a couple of bills in the works, residents and taxpayers in Massachusetts could see financial kickbacks for e-bike expenses.
An Act Relative to Commuter Transit Benefits (H.3088 / S.1890)
Just two of a set of related bills circulating through the Massachusetts legislature, these bills seek to amend the law to include bike share and e-bikes in the commuter benefits for transit. If passed, it would require companies with more than 20 employees to offer pre-tax benefits for those using e-bikes and bike shares (among other defined means of transit) to commute to work.
Both the house and senate referred their respective bills to the Joint Committee on Revenue on March 29, 2021. As of April 4, 2022, both bills have accompanied a new draft, Bill H.4562, which is still pending a final decision.
An Act Relative to Electric Bicycle Rebates (H.3262)
Another bill seeking to subsidize the cost of e-bikes for consumers, this bill would establish rebates through the Department of Energy Resources, to the tune of 500 for general consumers, and 750 for low and moderate-income consumers. The bill also establishes that the rebates cannot exceed 40% of the retail price for the bikes, but can also be used on both new and used e-bikes.
The bill was referred to the committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy on March 29, 2021, and is pending reporting in May 2022.
New York Legislation
Another one of the most progressive states in the US, New York is another e-bike-friendly state. With e-bikes being common in places like New York City, it isn’t too surprising that there’s an e-bike subsidy bill circulating in the state legislature.
Ride Clean Rebate Program for Electric Assist Bicycles and Electric Scooters (A.B. A516A / S.B. S3080A)
These bills attempt to establish a parallel program to the Drive Clean Rebate Program, a program that offers rebates for electric cars. Under the bills, consumers would receive a 50% rebate on electric scooters and bikes, up to a rebate amount of 1100.
The bill was introduced on January 27, 2021, where it was referred to the Energy and Telecommunications Committee. It died in the assembly on January 5, 2022, going back to the senate and being subsequently re-referred to the Energy and Telecommunications Committee.
Rebates
Various local governments and electricity providers issue rebates with purchases of eligible e-bikes. Here are a couple of examples:
Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) in Oregon offers its account holders a 300 rebate for purchasing an eligible e-bike. The program launched in April 2022 and as of this writing, about 780 rebates have been issued, according to Juan Serpa Muñoz, who manages EWEB’s electric mobility programs. “Due to popularity … we have made it an official program and increased the number of rebates per account to two,” Munoz said.
Denver established a point-of-sale rebate and issued vouchers that reduced the price of e-bikes at participating shops. Residents snapped them up. In 2023, the program is expected to relaunch. For the 2022 program, regular rebates for Denver residents were 400, and 450,200 for residents who met designated income thresholds, according to Michael Salisbury, a transportation administrator with the Denver sustainability office. An extra 500 rebate was offered for an electric cargo bike, designed for bulky loads or passengers. “On average,” Salisbury said, “Denver residents have saved 51% off the cost of their e-bikes as part of this program.”
Proposed Tax Incentives
A proposal introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would provide a federal tax incentive for purchasing an e-bike. The E-BIKE Act (Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment Act) would allow taxpayers with eligible purchases to reduce what they owe by 30% off the price of the bike, up to 450,500, with adjustments for previous credits.
In the state of Washington, lawmakers are working on a different type of tax incentive. If approved, e-bike purchases and other eligible equipment would be exempt from sales tax. The proposed legislation states: “… encouraging citizens to own and use electric bicycles for commuting can replace light-duty passenger vehicles and thus reduce congestion, local air pollution, and global carbon pollution while enhancing citizens’ health and saving commuters money.”
Other E-Bike Incentives
Low-interest loans, lending libraries for the free use of e-bikes, and programs that pay per mile of e-bike travel are among the array of incentives for purchasing and using e-bikes.
E-Bike Incentive Programs in North America, published by Portland State University (PSU), provides information on dozens of programs, including some for Canadian residents. It’s handy for organizations, government officials, and environmental advocates interested in establishing or supporting an incentive program. It’s also useful for e-bike shoppers, says John MacArthur of PSU Transportation Research and Education Center.
Recommendations for E-Bike Shoppers
- Try out different types of e-bikes to ensure you’re purchasing a style that suits you, MacArthur suggested. There are a wide variety of styles, including e-bikes designed for transporting packages or passengers.
- Determine if your utility provider, employer, state, or local government offers a financial incentive for purchasing or using an e-bike.
- Read the rules for your e-bike rebates and financial incentives. Some rebates require purchases from participating dealers and aren’t valid for online purchases, MacArthur said.
Environmental advocates and e-bike enthusiasts say incentives are especially useful to make e-bikes more affordable. “Having an incentive breaks down [a financial] barrier and gets more people thinking about using an e-bike,” MacArthur says.
PeopleForBikes, an advocacy and trade organization, issues its support for federal tax incentives in an article on its website:
“An all-in approach to reducing carbon emissions must recognize the power electric bicycles have to take cars off the road while keeping people moving, active, and connected to their communities,” the article states. The article quotes PeopleForBikes president Jenn Dice: “Incentivizing electric bicycles makes them a competitive transportation option for more Americans and supports a national effort to lower carbon emissions.”
By Patti Roth
Patti began her writing career as a staff writer for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Still based in Florida, Patti serves as editor for Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap. She regularly writes about environmental, home improvement, education, recycling, art, architecture, wildlife, travel and pet topics.